WAIPAHU – The Hawaii Pacific University women's soccer team delivered a determined offensive performance Friday afternoon, scoring three goals in a tightly contested PacWest Conference matchup against Dominican at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium. Despite a late push, the Sharks fell 4-3.
Lavinia Vaipulu led the Sharks with two goals, while Addison Vaught added her first goal of the season. HPU scored twice in the second half, including a late goal that kept the pressure on Dominican until the final whistle.
Dominican opened the scoring in the 26th minute before doubling its advantage in the 33rd. The Sharks answered shortly afterward when Vaught found the back of the net in the 35th minute, cutting the deficit to 2-1 heading into halftime.
The Penguins extended their lead to 3-1 in the 63rd minute, but HPU refused to back down. Vaipulu struck in the 69th minute to bring the Sharks within one.
Dominican responded with another goal just over two minutes later, restoring its two-goal advantage at 4-2.
Still, the Sharks continued to press forward. Vaipulu delivered her second goal of the afternoon in the 85th minute, narrowing the margin to 4-3 and setting up a dramatic finish.
HPU finished with 12 shots, including six on goal, while Dominican recorded 15 shots with 10 on target. Vaipulu led the Sharks with six attempts, placing four on frame.
In goal, Natalie Navarro recorded three saves during the opening half, while Azjah Tocher added two saves after entering at halftime.
